James Burrows, Consequential TV Director Who Co-Created 'Cheers,' Dies at 85

He helmed episodes of just about every funny show & 50+ pilots, ending his career playing himself on 'The Comeback'

June 19, 2026

Burrows was the quintessential TV director., and his reputation as such was sterling. (Images via NBC & HBO)

James Burrows was, simply put, one of TV’s most impactful and prolific directors, and will go down in history as a co-creator of Cheers (1982-1993), directing 240 episodes of that classic.

He died Friday, June 19, at his Manhattan home surrounded by loved ones. He was 85.

Burrows got his start on Mary Tyler Moore in 1974, going on to direct 1,000+ episodes of TV until 2025’s Mid-Century Modern. (Also the farewell for Linda Lavin.)

He directed 50+ pilots, won 11 Emmys (and was nominated from 1980-2005 with just 1997 as a year off) and worked with everyone funny in the business.

Classic James Burrows moment: “Lose the robe.” (Images via video stills)

Just a partial list of iconic shows he directed has to include: The Bob Newhart Show 1975-1977), Laverne & Shirley (1976-1977), Lou Grant (1977), Rhoda (1977-1978), Taxi (1978-1982), Night Court (1984), Wings (1990), Frasier (1993-1997; 2023-2024), Friends (1994-1998), 3rd Rock from the Sun (1996), Dharma & Greg (1997-1998), The Big Bang Theory (1997), Will & Grace (1998-2006; 2017-2020) and Mike & Molly (2010-2016).

The Comeback was his swan song. (Image via HBO)

He was hysterically dry playing himself on The Comeback, which just wrapped its third season (and 20-year run) this year. On it, he was the droll, jaded veteran to Lisa Kudrow’s Valerie Cherish, the ever-hopeful try-hard. He delivered just the right mix of gruff and paternal.

Burrows is survived by his wife, by his three daughters and by his stepdaughter.⚡️